

She has won numerous other awards, including various lifetime achievement awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor. She is also one of 23 people who have achieved what is called the Triple Crown of Acting, with individual competitive Academy, Emmy and Tony awards for acting. Moreno is one of the few artists to have won all four major annual American entertainment awards: an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony.
#Rita moreno young dancer series
Moreno has spanned her career over 70 years among her notable acting work are supporting roles in the musical films The King and I and West Side Story, as well as a 1971–77 stint on the children's television series The Electric Company, and a supporting role on the 1997–2003 TV drama Oz. She had her first Broadway role-as "Angelina" in Skydrift-by the time she was 13, which caught the attention of Hollywood talent scouts. Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.When Moreno was 11 years old, she lent her voice to Spanish language versions of American films. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance.- Rachel Mulligan, Pennsylvania State Univ. VERDICT An inspirational title for young elementary children.


In particular, Moreno's vibrant performance as Anita is triumphantly represented with swirling flashes of her iconic dance. Working to overcome the language barrier and bullying she experienced in a strange new country, Rita eventually made her way to Hollywood with a dream to be a star. Espinosa's digital illustrations portray animated, easy-to-read expressions and scenes made of clean lines and contrasting textures. When young Rosita moved from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, she didn’t know what to expectbut she knew she loved to sing and dance. Denise and Espinosa capture Moreno's determination and her genuine joy for performing. Further examination of the other roles Moreno played in her long career would have added to the narrative's pacing and context. Denise's author's note pays tribute to Moreno's many accomplishments this title reflects Denise's appreciation for Moreno's ability to shatter barriers for Latinas and other young women of color. The hardships Moreno experienced, including bullying at school and whitewashed Hollywood culture, are purposefully depicted to introduce children to the weight of Moreno's reality. The text guides readers through the story of Moreno's beginnings, from the heartbreak she endured leaving family and Puerto Rico to the moment she won an Oscar in 1962 for her moving performance as Anita in West Side Story. Moreno, who was born in 1931 as Rosa Dolores Alverio, displayed a knack for song and dance at a young age.

PreS-Gr 3-Bright colors enrich this biographical picture book about the early life of Rita Moreno, the award-winning Puerto Rican actor, dancer, and singer. From 2017 to 2020, Moreno took on the role of Lydia, in One Day at a Time, the sitcom inspired by Norman Lear’s 1975 series of the same name. " lyrical text, sprinkled like fairy dust with Spanish words, begs to be read aloud."- New York Times Book Review on Planting Stories Rita Moreno tearfully accepts her Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in the 1961 film West Side Story at the 34th Academy Awards, held on April 9, 1962. Informative author's note and timeline also included.Ī Spanish-language edition is also available. There, she fought to be seen and heard and eventually reached the pinnacle of success, landing her iconic role in West Side Story and, finally, winning her groundbreaking Oscar.īrought to life by Leo Espinosa's bold and vibrant illustrations and Anika Aldamuy Denise's lyrical text, this gorgeous tribute to the life and career of the first Latinx person to have earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award will inspire little dreamers everywhere. When young Rosita moved from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, she didn't know what to expect-but she knew she loved to sing and dance. Pura Belpré Honor winner Anika Aldamuy Denise ( Planting Stories) and New York Times bestselling illustrator Leo Espinosa ( Islandborn) tell the story of Rita Moreno, the Puerto Rican superstar best known for her Oscar-winning performance in the original West Side Story film, in this gorgeous picture book biography. By Grade + Interest - K to 1st By Grade + Interest - 2nd to 3rd By Grade + Interest - 4th to 5th
